Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - October 30, 2015.#894 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.57,097 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.Host: Learning 2015 - Nov 1 to 4 - 2,062 Colleagues Now Registered! Dear Learning TRENDS Colleagues, This is a Thank You note for your support, connections and history over the past 25 years! I am now in Orlando, Florida at Walt Disney World with our Learning 2015 Production Team - and we are doing the assembly work to greet 2,062 learning colleagues from around the world starting on Sunday. This year is a special honor and treat for me.  It marks the 25th year that I have hosted and curated an annual Learning event in Orlando, Florida.  Over the years, the name of the event has evolved from Computer Training & Support to TechLearn and now to Learning 2015. The focus has always been workplace learning - and we have added eLearning, Computer Training, Social and Mobile Methodology, and Learning Personalization along the way.  Over 25 years, we have hosted tens of thousands of new, experienced and even about-to-retire learning colleagues. Our keynotes have ranged from Apolo Ohno, Robin Roberts, General Colin Powell, The Midtown Men, Malcolm Gladwell, Dan Pink, Susan Cain, President Bill Clinton, Jack Welch, 50 Chief Learning Officers and even ABC’s Brit Hume coming by video from the White House explaining how the first presidential user of WordPerfect learned to use a word processor. I look forward to the fun, excitement and learnings ahead in the next few days.  As always, we will curate a large amount of the content from the event and post it online in the coming weeks.  And, you can follow our twitter accounts - @learning2015 and @emasie - for real time blasts. To each of our Learning 2015 readers and colleagues, thanks for your ongoing support and idea generation.  I hope we have an opportunity to meet at Learning 2016, Learning 2020 or continue to connect with shared ideas and innovation virtually.  Finally, if you would like to send a note as we celebrate 25 years of Learning Events, send it to me at emasie@masie.com   We will have a "toast" to our 25th Anniversary on Monday night and I would love to share a few of your thoughts with the group. Learning Really Matters! It is the powerful way we as humans develop new skills, awareness, job readiness and evolving knowledge.  What we do in learning is cool and important.  Thanks! Yours in learning, Elliott MasieHost, Learning 2015Email: emasie@masie.comTwitter: emasie MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:- Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM- Learning 2015 - Nov 1st to 4th - Orlando, Florida. Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - November 11, 2015.#895 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.57,109 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.Host: Learning 2016 - Oct 23 to 26, Orlando, Florida. 1. Jay Cross, Innovator and Informal Learning Remembered.2. Google Open Source Machine Learning Code: TensorFlow.3. Learning 2015 Curated Content and Flow. 1. Jay Cross, Innovator and Informal Learning Remembered: Whenever I received an email from learning innovator and colleague Jay Cross, I smiled. Jay’s emails would push me, disrupt some of my thinking and make me smile. Yet, the email that came the other day made me cry. Jay Cross died at his home in California on Nov. 6, 2015.  Very appropriately, Jay was working on his latest project, "Real Learning", advocating for a strong slice of DIY in learning. Jay leaves us with great work, strong thinking, rich dialogue and learning disruption. One cannot change a field without disruption - and Jay brought that, with a smile. I have known Jay for decades, spanning our mutual work in IT, Learning and Innovation. His passing leaves a gap in our field and his contributions have moved our field forward. Here is a great collection of tributes to Jay Cross and samples of his work, compiled by David Kelly: http://davidkelly.me/2015/11/an-industry-remembers-jay-cross/ Goodbye and Farewell, Jay! 2. Google Open Source Machine Learning Code: TensorFlow. Google made an exciting announcement about the open sourcing of their new Machine Learning Framework, TensorFlow. Machine learning is the science of getting computers to act without being explicitly programmed. In the past decade, machine learning has given us self-driving cars, practical speech recognition, effective web search, and a vastly improved understanding of the human genome. Check out TensorFlow and follow the exploration of how we engineer a construct of "learning" into machines and programming. It may have intriguing implications for workplace learning and the performance support field. TensorFlow info at: http://tensorflow.org/ 3. Learning 2015 Curated Content and Flow: We were honored to have 2,066 global learning professionals participate in Learning 2015 last week. It was an amazing 3 1/2 days of content, context and collaboration. We are now starting the curation of the sessions and conversations from Learning 2015 and will post waves of links in the weeks ahead. Get started by looking at the cool graphic illustrations of our six keynote sessions - including interviews with WOZ (Steve Wozniak), Sal Khan, Karl Kapp and Susan Cain: Check these out at: https://emasie.smugmug.com/Learning-2015/Graphic-Illustrations/ Watch for more content and video clips to be curated and published. Yours in learning, Elliott MasieHost, Learning 2016Email: emasie@masie.comTwitter: emasie MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:- Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM- Learning 2016 - October 23 to 26 - Orlando, Florida. Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - November 16, 2015.#896 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.57,119 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.Host: Learning 2016 - Oct 23 to 26, Orlando, Florida. 1. Learning Innovations LAB Announced!2. Gamification, Engagement & Learning Announced! It is with great pleasure that we are announcing two new programs that I will be hosting and curating in Saratoga Springs, New York in January 2016: 1. Learning Innovations LAB Announced! (January 12 to 14 - Saratoga Springs, NY) Imagine spending 2 1/2 days in a 10,000 foot Learning Innovation LAB, working with emerging technology and methodology, exploring: - Learning "Apps"- Learning Personalization- Hyper "Search" & Learning- Mobile Learning Models - Mobility & Performance- Big Data & Metrics for Innovation- Gamification in Design- Video: Fast, Short, Targeted, User-Created, Open, Digital Studios - LMS, LCMS & Learning Systems Refreshed- Emerging Virtual Reality - Oculus, Cardboard & Simulation You will have hands-on experiences and experiments in a wide range of new and emerging learning innovations. LAB size is limited so please register soon. Details at http://www.masie.com 2. Gamification, Engagement & Learning Announced! (January 26 to 28, Saratoga Springs, NY) Join me for a high-energy and hands-on event, focusing on Gamification, Engagement & Learning. We will explore every aspect of: - Gamification- Games vs. Gamification- Impacts on Learners and Learning- Engagement: Social and Beyond- Links Between Gamification and Engagement- Simulation and Gamification- The Role of Failure- Badging and Ratings- The Upsides and Downsides of Gamification or Engagement This is a deeply hands-on and research-based experience. Complete details at http://www.masie.com Yours in learning, Elliott MasieHost, Learning 2016Email: emasie@masie.comTwitter: emasie MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:- Learning Innovations LAB - January 2016 - Saratoga Springs, NY.- Gamification, Engagement & Learning - January 2016 - Saratoga Springs, NY.- Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM.- Learning 2016 - October 23 to 26 - Orlando, Florida. Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com  

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - December 1, 2015.#897 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.57,122 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.Host: Learning 2016 - Oct 23 to 26, Orlando, Florida. 1. Learn-A-Thon Model.2. Short Video Mentoring Explored.3. COIN - 1 Card for Many Credit Cards. 1. Learn-A-Thon Model: As many TRENDS readers know, I am a fan of and experimenter with the Hackathon model: a creative way to pull together a group of people - many with computer coding skills - to create a working prototype of a new app or program, in a few days of working intensely. I helped create a Broadway Hackathon model last year with the NY Public Library at Lincoln Center that created very cool new apps in 2 days with the only expense being pizza for lunch. But, as we applied this model to the world of learning, the challenge was that the hackathon was most appreciated and engaging for people who write code. So, we developed a new model called: Learn-A-Thon. The difference is that the Learn-A-Thon will imagine a new method, learning process or even a technology system/app, but it is brainstormed by subject matter peers regardless of their coding skill.  They will dream, stretch and even sketch out what a process or an app might look like, but not actually build the app in real time.  The IT process of creating the actual code can be put down later - or even overnight remotely - but the emphasis is on the User Experience and the Learning Process. We have experimented with the Learn-A-Thon model in several of our classes and are now rolling it out as a major function at The MASIE Center. The first public implementation of the Learn-A-Thon will be at the upcoming Learning Innovations LAB to be held in Saratoga Springs from January 12th to 14th. We invite you and your colleagues to take a stimulating, start-of-the-year retreat and participate in this high energy program, which includes the Learn-A-Thon. Details and online registration at http://www.masie.com 2. Short Video Mentoring Explored: Sometimes all one needs as a learner is a few minutes of conversation or feedback from a peer. That is the core of On-The-Job learning. And, as we add video and more distributed workers, we need to stretch the process. We have been tracking increased use of short Video Mentoring sessions - sometimes using Skype or corporate video desktop systems - to connect a learner to a mentoring peer in another location. The fun part is that the duration can be very short. For example, someone who is learning a new sales process might have the option of dialoging for 3 to 5 minutes - a few times each day for a week - with an experienced sales person located in another part of the world. Their mentoring is not meant to be behavioral coaching; rather, it is focused on what the learner is about to do - or what they just did. In the sales example, pre-brief a sales call or do an autopsy after a failed sale.  This process does not take much infrastructure and can be amazingly engaging for both the learner and the mentor! Try it! 3. COIN - 1 Card for Many Credit Cards: We have been experimenting with a new application called "Coin". It is a high tech single card onto which I securely load the data from a range of my credit cards. It synchronizes with my mobile phone and is only authorized when I use a code on the card or turn it on by the nearby mobile phone. It allows me to go from many to 1 credit card - and to get ready for a smaller wallet. The synchronizing of data to a digital format is intriguing and may lead to other applications for corporate access and security. Here is the link: http://onlycoin.com Yours in learning, Elliott MasieHost, Learning 2016Email: emasie@masie.comTwitter: emasie MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:- Learning Innovations LAB - January 2016 - Saratoga Springs, NY.- Gamification, Engagement & Learning - January 2016 - Saratoga Springs, NY.- Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM.- Learning 2016 - October 23 to 26 - Orlando, Florida. Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com  

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - December 1, 2015.#897 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.57,122 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.Host: Learning 2016 - Oct 23 to 26, Orlando, Florida. 1. Learn-A-Thon Model.2. Short Video Mentoring Explored.3. COIN - 1 Card for Many Credit Cards. 1. Learn-A-Thon Model: As many TRENDS readers know, I am a fan of and experimenter with the Hackathon model: a creative way to pull together a group of people - many with computer coding skills - to create a working prototype of a new app or program, in a few days of working intensely. I helped create a Broadway Hackathon model last year with the NY Public Library at Lincoln Center that created very cool new apps in 2 days with the only expense being pizza for lunch. But, as we applied this model to the world of learning, the challenge was that the hackathon was most appreciated and engaging for people who write code. So, we developed a new model called: Learn-A-Thon. The difference is that the Learn-A-Thon will imagine a new method, learning process or even a technology system/app, but it is brainstormed by subject matter peers regardless of their coding skill.  They will dream, stretch and even sketch out what a process or an app might look like, but not actually build the app in real time.  The IT process of creating the actual code can be put down later - or even overnight remotely - but the emphasis is on the User Experience and the Learning Process. We have experimented with the Learn-A-Thon model in several of our classes and are now rolling it out as a major function at The MASIE Center. The first public implementation of the Learn-A-Thon will be at the upcoming Learning Innovations LAB to be held in Saratoga Springs from January 12th to 14th. We invite you and your colleagues to take a stimulating, start-of-the-year retreat and participate in this high energy program, which includes the Learn-A-Thon. Details and online registration at http://www.masie.com 2. Short Video Mentoring Explored: Sometimes all one needs as a learner is a few minutes of conversation or feedback from a peer. That is the core of On-The-Job learning. And, as we add video and more distributed workers, we need to stretch the process. We have been tracking increased use of short Video Mentoring sessions - sometimes using Skype or corporate video desktop systems - to connect a learner to a mentoring peer in another location. The fun part is that the duration can be very short. For example, someone who is learning a new sales process might have the option of dialoging for 3 to 5 minutes - a few times each day for a week - with an experienced sales person located in another part of the world. Their mentoring is not meant to be behavioral coaching; rather, it is focused on what the learner is about to do - or what they just did. In the sales example, pre-brief a sales call or do an autopsy after a failed sale.  This process does not take much infrastructure and can be amazingly engaging for both the learner and the mentor! Try it! 3. COIN - 1 Card for Many Credit Cards: We have been experimenting with a new application called "Coin". It is a high tech single card onto which I securely load the data from a range of my credit cards. It synchronizes with my mobile phone and is only authorized when I use a code on the card or turn it on by the nearby mobile phone. It allows me to go from many to 1 credit card - and to get ready for a smaller wallet. The synchronizing of data to a digital format is intriguing and may lead to other applications for corporate access and security. Here is the link: http://onlycoin.com Yours in learning, Elliott MasieHost, Learning 2016Email: emasie@masie.comTwitter: emasie MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:- Learning Innovations LAB - January 2016 - Saratoga Springs, NY.- Gamification, Engagement & Learning - January 2016 - Saratoga Springs, NY.- Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM.- Learning 2016 - October 23 to 26 - Orlando, Florida. Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com  

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - December 4, 2015.#898 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.57,136 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.Host: Learning Innovations LAB - January in Saratoga Springs, NY. 1. I’m Taking 2 Online Classes from Usher and Dustin Hoffman.2. Analysis of Our Search - An Intriguing Metric.3. Gamification & Engagement - Cousins for Impact. 1. I’m Taking 2 Online Classes from Usher and Dustin Hoffman: When I woke up this morning, I took an Acting Performance Class from Dustin Hoffman.  And, this afternoon a Singing Performance Class from Usher.  Now, while I am a Broadway Producer, I don’t aspire to sing or act on a theater stage.  But, I am intrigued by leveraging the celebrity and experience of "hero" level subject matter experts for an online class. This is a venture called MasterClass and offers courses with a dozen asynchronous classes featuring the teacher, including activities and office hours.  These courses cost about $50. While it is just the beginning of my experience, I decided to do some research - and have enrolled a few Broadway actors and non-actors in the sessions - that will expand to include Kevin Spacey, Serena Williams and others as the teachers. Do "hero" teachers add to the learning cycle beyond enrollment interest? Intriguing! I will share more feedback as we experiment.  MasterClass is at http://www.masterclass.com 2. Analysis of Our Search - An Intriguing Metric: I wish for a personal and simple metric that I can look at every week or month, which is an analysis of all of my searches from both Mobile and Desktop devices. It would be a fascinating mind-map of my searches.  And, it gets really interesting if we could roll up the searches of a group of people - for instance, all new employees in a group. It would be cool to have that feedback loop. 3. Gamification & Engagement - Cousins for Impact: A few TRENDS readers have asked me why I combined the topics of Gamification and Engagement in our January LAB.  My experience with experiments and projects in the Gamification field led me to add Engagement into the mix. The sustainability of a gaming element - especially aimed at learning or performance - seems to rotate around the level of Engagement that the employee has and grows. We can build fun or cute games, but what we are looking for is deeper Engagement and mixing in some elements of social or collaborative Engagement.  As we blend Gamification and Engagement, including elements of collaboration that are not explicit game elements, we have a higher chance for Impact and Sustainability. Gamification, Engagement and Learning LAB - January 26 to 28, 2016 - Saratoga Springs, NY.  Info and registration: http://www.masie.com Yours in learning, Elliott MasieHost, Learning 2016Email: emasie@masie.comTwitter: emasie MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:- Learning Innovations LAB - January 2016 - Saratoga Springs, NY.- Gamification, Engagement & Learning - January 2016 - Saratoga Springs, NY.- Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM.- Learning 2016 - October 23 to 26 - Orlando, Florida. Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com

The Science, Mathematics And Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship for Service Program is an opportunity for students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines to receive a full scholarship and be gainfully employed upon degree completion.  "The program is excellent because it pays for everything," said JoAnn Wright "It's a great opportunity for students, and a motivator for educating the scientists, technicians and engineers our Army needs."The DoD pays all expenses, including internships, until the student graduates and starts work with the target organization.Students pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics may be eligible for the program. Besides the free tuition and other educational benefits, cash awards are anywhere from $25,000 to $41,000 a year depending on an applicants' situation. "There is even a health insurance allowance," Wright said.Check it out:  http://smart.asee.org/

From Learning Solutions Magazine:  Beta Testing is a key step in creating insanely great e-Learning applications. Often overlooked or omitted out of concern for budget and schedule, it is actually simple and cheap to do, and when planned with care, it takes little time to execute. Done before development is 100% complete, it ensures faultless releases. Here’s a step-by-step guide from an experienced developer.Check it out:  http://www.learningsolutionsmag.com/articles/299/beta-testing-an-online-course

An in-depth look at the Whistler Sliding Center, where bobsled, luge and skeleton athletes are expected to set speed records. Check it out: http://tiny.cc/1dHtH

Hating oil companies isn't a solution: John Hofmeister wants to change the way Americans look at energy - 2010-May-24 - CultureMap HoustonPosted using ShareThis